~ The domestic life of AM Lees, Editor

December 13th – a dove, with a sprig in its beak

The dove is carrying a sprig of olive or something in its beak. Maybe it is looking for somewhere to build a nest? This suggests Mendelssohn’s anthem ‘Hear my prayer’ (in German, Hör’ mein Bitten), which is derived from psalm 55(54).

The words:

Hear my prayer, O God, incline Thine ear!
Thyself from my petition do not hide.
Take heed to me! Hear how in prayer I mourn to Thee,
Without Thee all is dark, I have no guide.
The enemy shouteth, the godless come fast!
Iniquity, hatred, upon me they cast!
The wicked oppress me, Ah where shall I fly?
Perplexed and bewildered, O God, hear my cry!
My heart is sorely pained within my breast,
my soul with deathly terror is oppressed,
trembling and fearfulness upon me fall,
with horror overwhelmed, Lord, hear me call!

O for the wings, for the wings of a dove!
Far away, far away would I rove!
In the wilderness build me a nest,
and remain there for ever at rest.